‘Titanic 100’ events begin in Belfast

An extensive program of events to mark the centenary of the Titanic’s launch is set to start in Belfast city, where the famous ship was constructed.

“Titantic 100” will run for two months and include a variety of exhibitions, talks, plays and commemorations to mark the centenary of the ship’s completed construction.

The iconic liner met tragedy after only one year of its launch, when it collided with an iceberg on April 15, 1912. With inadequate life rafts on board, it claimed over 1,500 lives.

The events in Belfast City will run from March 31 to May 31, with the centerpiece showcasing two new exhibitions by Belfast City Council.

The “Titanic 100” photographic exhibition will open on the lawns of City Hall this coming Thursday and charts the ill-fated ships journey from the drawing board to its maiden voyage.

The second exhibition will be on display inside the City Hall and will tell the story of SS Nomadic, which was also launched in 1911.

On April 15, the Belfast Titanic Society will host their annual Titanic Commemoration Service at the City Hall, which will mark the 99 anniversary of the sinking ship.

A special four-day festival will run during the Easter weekend holiday also.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Pat Convery will be joined by John Andrews, the president of the
Belfast Titanic Society and the great-grandson of Thomas Andrews, to officially open “Titanic 100” in the grounds of City Hall on Thursday.

Speaking about the upcoming events, the Lord Mayor said it was an great way to showcase the history of the liner.

“The annual Titanic Made in Belfast exhibition attracts a great number of tourists and I have no doubt that these events coming up during the next year will reinvigorate even more interest in the historical ship and what it means to the city,” he said.

“This is a great opportunity for people to learn about the famous ship that was built in Belfast,” Convery added.